1. Issues and Debates
Nature v Nurture

2. Your Homework
For the next lesson, you need to have completed your homework on observations (from the summer) Also, you will have to have completed the maths homework ready for a formal test next lesson

3. Starter: 1) In silence, read your homework answers for three minutes
2) Write some of the definitions on the big white boards (BWBs)
Group 1 do A, B, C, D Group 2 do B, C, D, E Group 3 do C, D, E, F Group 4 do D, E, F, G Group 5 do E, F, G, H Group 6 do F, G, H, I
Nativism
Empiricism
Interactionism
Heredity
MZ and DZ twins
Concordance rates
Stress-diathesis model
Neural plasticity
Passive and active gene-environment interaction
3) Now walk clockwise around and check the answers

4. What do you know about nature vs nurture
What do you know about nature vs nurture? – kahoots quiz (use your phones)

5. The nature-nurture debate is an issue throughout psychology
What’s your opinion? Write on one side of MWB nature, and on the other side write nurture. Hold up your boards to each one. There is no right answer.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Gender specific behaviour
Phobia of spiders
The Sleep/wake cycle (24 hours)
Leadership
Risk-taking
Memory ability
Ability to form secure relationships
Addictive personality
Parents bond to their offspring

6. So how would we know?
In psychology, we look at evidence to support or contract a theory. For example… “in an experiment into aggression, Bandura found that children will imitate aggressive behaviour is they saw an adult receive praise for a violent display” This would suggest that aggression is learned. However…

7. So how would we know?
In psychology, we look at evidence to support or contract a theory. For example… “in correlational studies, evidence suggests that higher levels of testosterone in males are associated with increases in male-typical behaviours, such as physical aggression and anger. This would suggest that aggression is innate.

8. An example: Why do boys like trains and girls like dolls?
Is this stereotype true? Find out your new colleagues favourite toys when they were children Are these preferences down to learning or are they caused by biology? Write which one you think on the mini-white board. (not allowed to say both) bPbME Now you’ve seen the clip, what do you think? Is gender preference at play biological or learned?

9. Another example: Some people are biologically more violent than others…
Do you agree with this statement? Discuss in your groups. Children who watch more violence on TV/Film will be more aggressive in real life. Do you agree with this statement? Now you’ve seen Bandura’s research, is aggression learned or biological?

10. The Debate – You will be allocated a number relating to a point in the argument
What is the nativist approach
Arguments against the nativist approach
Study supporting nativism
Theory or study against nativism (interactionism?)
Example of innate behaviour in real life (you may have to think of one)
What is the empiricist approach
Arguments against the empiricist approach
study supporting empiricism
Theory or study against empiricism (Interactionism
Example of learned behaviour in real life (you may have to think of one)

11. Using your homework preparation notes, write down as much as you can relating to your point
What is the nativist approach
Arguments against the nativist approach
Study supporting nativism
Theory or study against nativism (interactionism?)
Example of innate behaviour in real life (you may have to think of one)
What is the empiricist approach
Arguments against the empiricist approach
study supporting empiricism
Theory or study against empiricism (Interactionism?)
Example of learned behaviour in real life (you may have to think of one)

12. Now get into your debating teams
Numbers 1,3,5, 7 and 9 go to the left hand side of the room Numbers 2,4,6, 8 and 10 go to the right hand side of the room We have our debating teams

13. You will be awarded points for
The awarding of points
You will be awarded points for
Relevant point made (1 mark)
Elaboration of point (1 mark)
Appropriate terminology (1 mark)
Applied/linked to psychological theory (1 mark)
Applied/linked to specific research study (1 marks)
Linked to relevant real life example (1 mark)
Relevant counter point (2 marks)
All must contribute
Removal of points for irrelevance, disrupting the debate, repetition, talking over each other, other issues at teacher’s discretion, use of mobile phone
Each group will be offered a final closing argument where up to 10 points are offered

14. Applications – one per group on BWBs
How would a nativist approach therapy for psychological disorders?
How would an empiricist reduce prison violence
How would a nativist approach education?
How would an empiricist give careers advice?
How would an interactionist stop addiction?

15. Exam questions

16. In groups, write an answer on the big white boards (BWB)

17. Mark Scheme

18. Essay question
You will find this challenging to do on your second ever lesson, but as we develop our skills, you should find it easier. Discuss with your group how you think you would answer this question.

19. Essay question
Discuss means outline and evaluate Outline = briefly describe (6 marks) You would describe the nativist and empiricist positions in psychology, giving examples and pointing out the main differences. Use industry terms such as nativist, empiricist, heredity, maturation, genetics, environment, learned. Evaluate = what value does believing in one side or the other have, should we accept both positions? (10 marks) Evidence supporting either side, evidence contradicting either side, the interactionist approach, important applications (treatments, for example)